Colorado House Democrats

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

Speaker Romanoff & Majority Leader Madden Praise Session: “Bipartisan progress…putting children first.”

To read the Midterm Progress Report click here: Download midterm_progres_report.pdf

(Denver) Tuesday afternoon, four days before the halfway mark of the legislative session, the top-ranking leaders of the House of Representatives described the session thus far as one not focused on one or two big issues, but as one where – despite dire predictions from pundits and the usual election year partisanship – the two parties are working together.

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Majority Leader Alice Madden presented a progress report on the first half of the session and unveiled their legislative proposals for the second half. Their four-page progress report identified progress in the areas of Health Care, Energizing the Economy (covering renewable energy and economic development), Education, and the Environment.

“Democrats and Republicans worked together – quietly, effectively, productively – to solve problems,” Speaker Romanoff said. “The best example of our bipartisan progress is our focus on kids.”

Majority Leader Madden said, “Middle-class families can look at the facts and see that we have made humongous strides on their behalf. We’re helping their kids get a great education in safe buildings, we’re fighting for fairness in health insurance, and we’re protecting Coloradans’ way of life.

They described how the Democratic-led legislature is “putting children first” by getting 50,000 kids the health care they need; by protecting drinking water and clean air and by promoting home-grown energy; by getting every child a smart start, a top-flight teacher, and a safe school; and by building clean, new industries that provide good-paying jobs.

-- Posted by staff

House Democrats Elect Terrance Carroll to Assistant Majority Leader

“Colorado is lucky to have him”

DENVER – At a mid-day meeting, the House Democratic Caucus elected State Representative Terrance Carroll (D-Denver) to be its new Assistant Majority Leader.  Rep. Carroll is serving in his third legislative term, and is currently Chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
 
“Terrance Carroll has been a good friend, a law-school classmate, and a close ally on the many causes we share,” said House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.  “Colorado is lucky to count him as one of its leaders – and our caucus is, too.”

"I am honored and blessed that my colleagues demonstrated their faith in me by electing me as their Assistant Majority Leader,” Rep. T. Carroll said. “As part of the leadership team, I will help keep us focused on the issues that are important to all Coloradans: health care, education, and the new energy economy.  I’m 100% committed to this caucus and 100% committed to working as hard as I can to forward our Democratic agenda.”

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Alice Madden on Leadership

“You’re looking at the next generation of leadership for the Democrats,” said Majority Leader Alice Madden, one of six Democrats who will face term limits after this upcoming legislative session.  “Leaders like Andy Kerr, Ed Casso, and the nine other freshmen in our caucus will take our agenda into the next decade.”

Read the press release that includes this quote.

Jim Riesberg shares expertise

Want to expand your leadership and political skills? Live in northern Colorado? Then you can take advantage of Rep. Jim Riesberg's leadership program. From today's Greeley Tribune:

Northern Coloradans who want to know more about government or about effective leadership can take classes this fall from someone with firsthand knowledge.

State Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, wants to share what he has learned in 44 years of public life, so he is hosting his first Leadership Development Program.

The program will focus on how to be effective in public pursuits, and is intended for people interested in learning practical leadership and political skills. Riesberg and a series of guest experts will lead various sessions during the next few months.

For details about class dates, times and location, take a look at the article in The Tribune.

--posted by Staff