Colorado House Democrats

Rice Teaches Students That Honesty is the Best Policy

Runyon Elementary students won’t be penalized for honest mistake

(Denver) Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) is helping students at Littleton’s Damon Runyon Elementary School learn one of life’s most important
lessons: honesty is the best policy.

Earlier this year, a fourth grade teacher at Runyon discovered that one of the prompts used on the CSAP writing test was one that her class had used previously during a practice session.

Upon discovering that the prompt was in fact used on this year’s CSAP, the principal, the district, and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) were notified.  As a result, the students will receive a “no score,” or zero, on the 4^th grade writing CSAP test and Runyon and all Littleton Public School District scores will be negatively impacted.  The school’s ranking will drop from a “high achieving school” to an “average achieving school.”

“When the teacher realized the mistake, she did the honest thing and told the appropriate people,” Rep. Rice said.  “The 4^th grade students at Runyon were penalized for an honest mistake. Is that the kind of lesson we want to teach our kids?  I have always taught my own children that honesty is the best
policy,” he continued.

Rep. Rice has amended a piece of legislation (Senate Bill 212) to put in place procedures to address the Runyon situation and other unintentional errors that may occur with any school in the state of Colorado in the future.  Other schools have been penalized with CSAP scores, including a school where a fire alarm disrupted the test and violated testing procedures.

Specifically, Rice’s amendment allows the Colorado Department of Education to re-administer the test or calculate the score without factoring the error.  In the case of an error that cannot be fixed or recalculated, the state will publish the official score and include what it would have been without the error. The bill, the Colorado Achievement Plan, is on its way to the Governor.   

“Parents and prospective community members often use local schools’ CSAP scores as a guide for choosing a neighborhood,” explained Rep. Rice. “It is important that the area’s property values reflect the high achievement of Runyon’s staff and students.”

The issue was brought to Rep. Rice’s attention by Gretchen Trail, a parent of a 2^nd and 4^th grader at Runyon.  “Not only did Rep. Rice listen to my concerns, he took ownership and put a solution into play.  His ownership and determination sent the right message to our children: even though you are being wrongly punished for an honest mistake, there is someone willing to help prevent this from happening again,” said Gretchen Trail.

-- Posted by staff

Pro-Biz Democrats Give a Hand to Small Businesses

Expansion of “BPPT” Exemption Passes House

DENVER – State Representatives Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction) successfully ushered House Bill 1225 through the House on an initial voice vote this morning. Their bill would increase the number of small businesses that don't have to pay a certain tax.

Currently, businesses with less than $2,500 in taxable property are exempt from the business personal property tax or “BPPT;” Reps. Rice and Buescher would raise that amount to $7,000 over a four year period.

Assessors define business personal property as anything that's not nailed down to the floor. For years, Reps. Rice and Buescher have worked to hammer out reforms to the state's business personal property tax.

Rep. Buescher said, “This is a huge bill for small businesses.  The BPPT takes a huge amount of time and paperwork yet generates a tiny amount of revenue for the state.”

Many small business owners find the current tax -- which is based on the value of assets such as computers, furniture, and manufacturing equipment -- burdensome because of the time and resources it takes to complete the paperwork.  It has a 40% administrative cost yet generates little revenue.

According to Rep. Rice, "Given the current state of our economy, it is important to protect and grow the small businesses of Colorado. The business personal property tax exemption will make life easier for over 30,000 small businesses in our state. Small businesses are the sparks that drive our economy. Everybody wins when we're able to create jobs in that sector."

These businesses would be spared the expense of preparing and paying their business personal property tax.  Streamlining the process will free up resources for job creation and business growth.

-- Posted by staff

Bill to Keep Neighborhood Peace Passes Committee

Protestors, huge signs, and sit-ins spark neighborhood response

(Denver) Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver) are protecting peaceful neighborhoods from aggressive protestors.  They are the House sponsors of Senate Bill 192, which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee today with bi-partisan, unanimous support.

The bill was brought to Representative Rice’s attention after protestors targeted a Greenwood Village neighborhood where several Weitz Company executives reside.  The company is the contractor for the new Planned Parenthood facility being built in east Denver.   Some protestors have even set up all day barbeques in front of the family homes.  There were also other examples of protestors across the political spectrum targeting people in their homes.

“Families should feel secure in their homes and be able to protect their children.  There is a time and a place for people to express their views, but protestors should not be able to force their message into people’s homes,” Rep. Rice explained.

The bill would require protestors to keep moving, establish restrictions on the size and number of signs that picketers can carry, and specify the distance from a residence that picketers must remain. 

“The right to privacy is equally important to me as the right to free speech,” said Rep. McGihon. “We are trying to balance those two rights in this bill.”

Residents of the targeted neighborhoods shared testimony detailing the harassment and 
threat to their safety.  Some felt they are prisoners in their own homes and fear leaving and being approached by the aggressive protestors.

The bill is also sponsored by Senator Steve Ward (R-Littleton) and Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora).  It now heads to the House floor for full consideration.

-- Posted by staff

House Tosses Cookies! (Cookie Tax Exemption tossed to Senate, that is. . .)

Bill exempts PTAs from sales tax on fundraisers

DENVER – On Tuesday, the House passed a bill on vote of 63-1 to exempt Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) from paying sales tax on fundraisers like bake sales and silent auctions.

House Bill 1358 – sponsored by State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) – would also require vendors to handle the paperwork and collection of sales tax on “prepackaged” activities that are not exempt, such as the sale of discount coupon books and wrapping paper. Currently, many vendors stick these responsibilities on informal volunteer-run PTOs and PTAs.

“This is such a little thing, but it can make such a huge difference,” said Rep. Rice.  “This simply makes it simpler.  By reducing red tape and cutting the administrative burden on parent fundraisers, we’ll free them up to do what they do best: bring in the dough. And, hopefully, we’ll put a little more money back in our schools.”

HB 1358 now goes to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Tax Monster on the Run!

Bill exempts PTAs from sales tax on fundraisers

DENVER – On Wednesday, the House passed a bill on an initial voice vote to exempt Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) from paying sales tax on fundraisers like bake sales and silent auctions.  House Bill 1358 – sponsored by State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) – would also require vendors to handle the paperwork and collection of sales tax on “prepackaged” activities that are not exempt, such as the sale of discount coupon books and wrapping paper. Currently, many vendors stick these responsibilities on informal volunteer-run PTOs and PTAs.

“This is such a little thing, but it can make such a huge difference,” said Rep. Rice.  “This simply makes it simpler.  By reducing red tape and eliminating administrative burden PTAs and PTOs have to deal with, we’ll free them up to do what they do best: fundraise.  And we’ll also put a little more money back in our schools.”

HB 1358 awaits final passage in the House before moving to the Senate.

-- 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.

That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles

Rep. Rice moves bill through committee exempting PTOs and PTAs from paying sales tax on fundraisers, including bake sales and silent auctions

DENVER – On Wednesday, the House Finance Committee passed a bill sponsored by State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) to exempt Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) paying sales tax on fundraisers like bake sales and silent auctions.  House Bill 1358 also would require vendors to handle the paperwork and collection of sales tax on “prepackaged” activities that are not exempt, such as gift wrap and book sales. Currently, many vendors stick these responsibilities on parents to handle.

“We know that fundraising efforts at public schools make vital additions to public education,” said Rep. Rice.  “I’ve seen schools use the money they make from fundraisers to pay for everything from elective courses and field trips to teacher’s aides.  The government should get out of the way so they can do what they do best: raise critical funds for their schools.”

The bill would make it easier for PTOs and PTAs to fundraise by reducing red tape and put a little more money back in local public schools.  The bill is expected to significantly reduce the administrative burden PTOs and PTAs face.  It could also help public schools retain as much as $250,000 annually in additional revenue. 

“I’ve heard instances where these small, informal volunteer groups are slapped with serious fines for late filings on fundraising activities like bake sales.  That’s totally unacceptable!” Rice continued.  He was referencing an instance when the PTO at a public school in his district, Creekside Elementary, was fined $100 by the Department of Revenue (DOR) for an alleged late sales tax filing in 2007.  The late filing occurred because of confusion between DOR and the volunteer run non-profit about whether the PTO had to report sales tax receipts monthly or annually.  “As it stands, these small, volunteer organizations spend way too much time and money on paperwork, when they really should be focusing their attention on fundraising.”

HB 1358 passed committee on a bi-partisan vote of 10 to 1. It now heads to the House floor for further debate.

-- Posted by staff

Representative Rice All Ears

Rep. hosts three back-to-back town hall meetings at mid-point of 2008 session

(Denver)- State Representative Joe Rice (D-Arapahoe County) is actively seeking feedback and ideas from his constituents.  The Littleton Representative will host three back-to-back town hall meetings this weekend, just over halfway through the 2008 legislative session.

The hat trick of town hall meetings kicked off Thursday evening with an open community meeting to discuss Senate Bill 164 on the topic of medical malpractice liability caps.

The meeting filled the room at Littleton City Hall with Doctors, attorneys, and other interested community members.  Rep. Rice hosted the meeting to discuss the controversial issue and inform himself about the various viewpoints in preparation for his vote on the bill.

“In the end, my vote will reflect what I think is the best vote for consumers.”

“I think it is important to be in touch with the people in House District 38. The people in my district always come with thoughtful questions and comments, and I always leave with new ideas about how to move Colorado forward. Some of my best legislative ideas have come from ideas brought to me by constituents.”

Rep. Rice to Free PTOs from Tax Money

The Littleton lawmaker announces a bill exempting PTOs and PTAs from paying sales tax on fundraisers, including bake sales and silent auctions

DENVER – On Sunday, State Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) unveiled a proposal that would exempt Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) from paying sales tax on some types of fundraisers.  The bill would also require vendors to handle the paperwork on fundraising activities that are not exempt from sales tax.

At a media event at the capitol, Rep. Rice was flanked by members of PTOs who brought him the idea, as well as their children.  Together, they spoke about the time and money involved in collecting sales tax from fundraising activities, as well as how important fundraising is for their schools. 

“The fundraising PTOs and PTAs do for their schools is critical,” said Rep. Rice.  “Right now, these small, volunteer organizations spend way too much time and money on paperwork. The government should just get out of the way so they can do what they do best: raise critical funds for their schools.”

The bill, which is expected to be introduced tomorrow, would simplify fundraising for PTOs and PTAs by reducing red tape.  The bill would exempt PTOs and PTAs at public schools from paying sales tax on fundraisers like bake sales and silent auctions.  The bill would also require vendors to handle the paperwork and collection of sales tax on “prepackaged” activities that are not exempt, such as gift wrap and book sales. Currently, many vendors stick these responsibilities on parents to handle.

In many cases, those activities raise essential funds that pay for budget items that range from elective classes and field trips to teacher salaries and capital construction.

“I’m glad we’re finally going to get rid of this giant blue tax monster that’s been a terrible burden on these small organizations for too long,” Rice continued.

To find further information on this story, visit Channel 4 News at http://cbs4denver.com

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Rice Receives a Bridge Builder Award

Colorado Contractors Honor Representative

DENVER- Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) was honored in recognition of his leadership in the transportation arena this evening.  The Colorado Contractors Association honored Rep. Rice with the Bridge Builders Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions addressing the state’s transportation needs.

The Colorado Contractors Association Bridge Builder Award is awarded to those legislators who have shown their commitment to transportation and infrastructure construction industry. Legislators who receive this honor have provided strong leadership on the issues that affect the industry and are true transportation advocates

“Unsafe bridges, congested highways and failing infrastructure affect every Coloradan. It is important that we invest in keeping our roads running and our bridges standing” said Rep. Rice after receiving the award.