Colorado House Democrats

Rep. Solano Passes Sweeping CSAP Reforms

(DENVER)  As new reports indicate that CSAP reading scores have remained flat yet again, lawmakers signaled their opposition to the status quo by supporting the sweeping CSAP reforms in House Bill 1186 on a 35-29 vote.

“We are over-complying with an unfunded federal mandate,” said lead sponsor State Representative Judy Solano (D-Thornton). “We spend nearly $25 million on CSAP with only $9 million from the US Department of Education.   And we require more testing than No Child Left Behind does!”

Rep. Solano wants to improve the use of the dollars used for CSAP testing by streamlining the process and focusing the dollars on proven tests and programs. 

Earlier this year, Rep. Solano and other supporters held large brooms as they vowed to bring in “sweeping reforms.” Today, after the vote, Rep. Solano was presented with a bouquet of brooms. The bill now goes to the Senate where it is sponsored by Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora).

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House Bill 1186: Exempts the test scores of students who are absent on the days that the CSAP is administered.  Schools currently receive a -.5 if a student doesn’t take the CSAP.

House Bill 1357: Improves alignment of the CSAP with the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements to make more effective use of taxpayers’ money.  Decreases funding for testing beyond the federal requirements and puts those savings into proven programs to improve student performance, to train teachers, and to reduce drop-out rates.  HB 1357 eliminates CSAPs in high school and the CSAP writing test in lower grades.

-- Posted by staff

Sweeping CSAP Reforms Get Initial Support from House

Rep. Solano: "taxpayers foot the bill to over-comply with a federal mandate."

(DENVER)  Decrying the waste of taxpayer dollars that are being poured into unproven testing programs and calling for increased efficiency of the numerous federal and state tests required by Colorado students, lawmakers passed House Bill 1186 on an initial voice vote today.

“We are over-complying with an unfunded federal mandate,” said lead sponsor State Representative Judy Solano (D-Thornton). “We spend nearly $25 million on CSAP with only $9 million from the US Department of Education.  And we require more testing than No Child Left Behind does! What that means is that taxpayers foot the bill to over-comply with a federal mandate.”

Along with Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), Rep. Solano wants to improve the use of the dollars used for CSAP testing by streamlining the process and focusing the dollars on proven tests and programs.  Her bill would scale back use of the CSAP in high school and the CSAP writing test in lower grades.

Earlier this year, Rep. Solano and other supporters held large brooms as they vowed to bring in “sweeping reforms.” Today, after the vote, a bouquet of brooms towered over Rep. Solano’s desk.

House Bill 1186: Exempts the test scores of students who are absent on the days that the CSAP is administered.  Schools currently receive a -.5 if a student doesn’t take the CSAP.

House Bill 1357: Improves alignment of the CSAP with the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements to make more effective use of taxpayers’ money.  Decreases funding for testing beyond the federal requirements and puts those savings into proven programs to improve student performance, to train teachers, and to reduce drop-out rates.

-- Posted by staff

Sun Rises Over New Era of Solar Energy

Bill continues expansion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy

Denver – On Friday, after concurring with Senate amendments, the House sent a bill to Governor Ritter helping Colorado take full advantage of its solar resources by opening the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production. 

“If Colorado developed just two percent of its solar resources, it could meet half its energy demand,” said State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), the prime sponsor of House Bill 1164.  “By investing in large-scale solar, we’re making good on our commitment to work toward genuine energy independence and to reduce the impacts of global warming.” 

The bill helps the state lessen its carbon footprint by opening the market to the creation of new energy technologies, including utility-scale solar power production.  It also asks the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar energy when it’s feasible to do so, and to take into account the future cost of carbon-based energy sources and the impact of greenhouse gasses when purchasing energy.   

“Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it’s one of the sunniest states in the country,” Rep. Solano continued.  “Southern Colorado in particular has the best solar resources for utility-scale solar in the country.  By tapping into this potent source of power, we can significantly reduce our overall energy costs – especially during the summer months, when energy consumption peaks.”

Colorado has one of the five largest potential solar markets in the nation. The San Luis Valley in southern Colorado – which is currently experiencing an economic downturn – could significantly benefit from the passage of HB 1164; it has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation.  Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill, which was also sponsored by State Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village), now awaits final action by the Governor.

-- 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.

Go Big, Go Solar

“Colorful Colorado” Shows True Colors as Honorary “Sunshine State”

Denver – On Tuesday, the House voted to prove that Colorado is the true “sunshine state.”  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), passed with bi-partisan support by a vote of 43 to 21.  The bill is yet another example of Colorado’s ongoing transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  Specifically, the bill opens the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production.   

By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands and offer tremendous cost savings to consumers.   Despite some confusion among lawmakers, the bill will not make utility rates go up. Under current law, utilities are prohibited from increasing rates over two percent annually for energy generated for the purposes of meeting the renewable energy standard; there is no cap whatsoever for energy derived from fossil fuels.  This safeguard ensures the gradual introduction of large-scale solar power into the market, while protecting consumers from skyrocketing utility bills.

“On scorching August days when the sun is beating down and every house is blasting their air conditioners, we will be able to capture the sun’s energy and use it to power all of those AC units,” said Rep. Solano.  “It’s time we look to the not-so-distant-future and diversify our energy sources.  Coloradans are primed to benefit from the sun’s power. Harnessing the sun’s energy can benefit all of us and keep rates down for all of us,” continued Rep. Solano. 

Rep. Solano Proposes Sweeping CSAP Reforms

(DENVER)  Denver-area lawmakers decried the waste of taxpayer dollars that are being poured into unproven testing programs and called for increased accountability and efficiency of the numerous federal and state tests required by Colorado students.

State Representative Judy Solano (D-Thornton) and Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora) announced two bills to improve the use of the approximately $15 million dollars used for CSAP testing by streamlining the process and focusing the dollars on proven tests and programs.

Their bills will be heard in committees this Thursday at the Capitol; HB 1186 in the Senate and HB 1357 in the House. They asked supporters to come to the Capitol at 1 PM on Thursday.

Joining them was Yvonne Bradford, a 21 year veteran of classroom teaching, mostly in the Adams 12 district north of Denver.

The speakers all held large brooms indicating their vow to bring in “sweeping reforms.”

House Bill 1186: Exempts the test scores of students who are absent on the days that the CSAP is administered. Schools currently receive a -.5 if a student doesn’t take the CSAP.

House Bill 1357: Improves alignment of the CSAP with the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements to make more effective use of taxpayers’ money. Decreases funding for testing beyond the federal requirements and puts those savings into proven programs to improve student performance, to train teachers, and to reduce drop-out rates.

-- Posted by staff

Sun Rises Over New Era for Solar Energy

Bill continues expansion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy

Denver – On Monday, the House voted to continue Colorado’s transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), and which passed the House on an initial voice vote, will allow Colorado to take full advantage of its solar resources by opening the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production.   

“Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it’s one of the sunniest states in the country,” said Rep. Solano.  “Right now we’re underutilizing this potent resource, particularly at peak usage times during hot summer days.  By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands and offer tremendous cost savings to consumers.  If we foster this resource correctly, there is no doubt the sun will be our single greatest energy resource.”

The bill helps mitigate our carbon footprint by opening the market to the creation of new energy technologies including large-scale solar power production.  It also directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar power when it’s feasible to do so, and to take into account the future cost of carbon-based energy sources and the impact of greenhouse gasses when purchasing energy.   

“Global warming poses serious challenges; if we don’t act right now, we’ll get burned down the line,” continued Rep. Solano.  “By investing in large-scale solar, we’re investing in our future and working toward genuine energy independence.  This legislation will help us reduce pollution and create new, high-paying jobs in exciting new technologies.”

Colorado has one of the five largest potential solar markets in the nation. Colorado’s San Luis Valley, which is experiencing an economic downturn, would especially benefit from passage of HB 1164.  The San Luis Valley has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation, and this type of legislation has the potential to drive tremendous economic growth.   Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill awaits final passage by the House before moving to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

New Era of Solar Energy Just Over Horizon

Bill continues expansion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy

Denver – On Thursday, the House Transportation & Energy Committee voted 8 to 5 to continue Colorado’s transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), will allow Colorado to take full advantage of its solar resources by opening the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production. 

“Colorado has 300 days of sunshine annually; it’s one of the sunniest states in the country,” said Rep. Solano.  “Right now we’re underutilizing this potent resource.  By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands.  If we foster this resource correctly, there is no doubt the sun will be our single greatest energy resource.”

The bill would open the market to the creation of new energy technologies including large-scale solar power production.  It also directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to evaluat the effects of both greenhouse gas emissions and the public interest, and to purchase utility-scale solar power when it’s feasible to do so.   

“Global warming poses serious challenges; if we don’t act right now, we’ll get burned down the line,” continued Rep. Solano.  “By investing in large-scale solar, we’re investing in our future and working toward genuine energy independence. This legislation will help us reduce pollution and create new, high-paying jobs in exciting new technologies.”

Colorado’s San Luis Valley, which is experiencing an economic downturn, would especially benefit from passage of HB 1164.  The San Luis Valley has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation, and this type of legislation could spur tremendous economic growth.   Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill now moves to the full House for further debate.

-- Posted by staff

Democrats Respond to High Foreclosure Rates

The priority is to keep families in their homes; several community forums planned to prevent foreclosures

(Denver) According to a report released today by the Colorado Division of Housing, foreclosures increased 40 percent in Colorado from 2006 to 2007.  The good news is that the state has a successful foreclosure hotline (1-877-601-HOPE) in place and over 6,300 families have been assisted.  Because of the hotline, at least 20 percent more families have been rescued from loosing their homes.

In other good news, the state should find out shortly if relief is in sight to help sort out loans and to create public service announcements for others to learn about services available.  In response to the high rates, the state recently submitted a request for over 2 million dollars in funding from the federal government to assist with the foreclosure hotline and HUD counselors across the state.

“We passed a comprehensive package of laws to address mortgage fraud and help families stay in their homes and prevent the housing crisis in the future. Simply put, there are still a lot of bad loans out there that can result in foreclosure before these laws go into effect,” State Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver) explained.

The Governor mentioned the successful legislation tackling rise in foreclosures in his State of the State address, applauding Colorado’s leadership on the issue and citing several states that have modeled legislation after Colorado.

Upcoming Opportunities to Meet with your Representative

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 20^th

Rep. Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) and Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) will be hosting a discussion on Aging Baby Boomers and Long-term Health Care Options Wednesday, February 20th 6:00-7:30 PM at the Erie Public Library. Click here for more details.

Join Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-West Denver) for a panel discussion on foreclosure counseling and prevention Wednesday, February 20, 2008, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. More details here.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21st

Meetings with Morgan, hosted by Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) February 21, 2007, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M., Community College of Aurora Topic: Transportation. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday Every Month Unless Holiday. Sign up for her newsletter here.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22^nd

Representative Mary Hodge (D-Adams) Senator Takis (D-Adams County) Friday, February 22nd, 7:00-8:30 AM Firestation #2 3100 Peoria St, Aurora

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23

Rep. Anne McGihon (D-Denver) invites constituents to join her for a “Coffee Chat” Saturday, Feb 23, 9:00-10:00 AM, at Mile High Coffee in Englewood. More information here.

Rep. Jeanne Labuda (D-Denver) will host a town hall meeting Feb. 23rd at the Bear Valley Library from 1-3pm. The topic will be the upcoming elections. More information here.

Did you know the Denver-Metro area was ranked No. 9 in Foreclosures in 2007? Rep. Judy Solano (D-Thornton) invites you to join her for a town hall meeting on the topic of foreclosure prevention and counseling. February 23, 2008 from 10:00 AM-12:00 noon in Thornton. For more details click here. Rep. Dianne Primavera will host a town hall meeting on foreclosures in Broomfield on March 19th and Rep. Sara Gagliardi will host one in Arvada on March 1st.    

State Rep. Randy Fischer and State Rep. John Kefalas will host their monthly forum on Looking Forward-what kind of state do you want Colorado to be? Coloradoan Community Room, 1300 Riverside Ave, Fort Collins on Saturday, February 23rd 9:30-11:30 AM. The monthly forums are hosted on the fourth Saturday of each month. The next Community Forum will be held Saturday, March 22nd. Join Rep. Kefalas’ newsletter or Rep. Fischer’s newsletter for details on upcoming events.

LOOKING AHEAD

Rep. Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada) has several upcoming events February 25th, March 1st and Match 10th. For more information and to sign up for her newsletter, click here.

-- Posted by staff