Colorado House Democrats

Lawmakers Unveil Mother's Day Gifts

Legislators say thank-you with new laws making moms’ lives easier 

DENVER – On Sunday, in honor of Mothers’ Day, Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) gathered at Washington Park in Denver for an event thanking Colorado mothers for all that they do.  The two legislators unveiled how new laws passed this year will make moms’ lives easier.

“Working mothers know, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done,” said Speaker Romanoff.  “Well today – on mother’s day – we’re honoring all their hard work by making their lives just a little easier.”

Speaker Romanoff highlighted the steps Colorado lawmakers took to expand resources available to pregnant women for prenatal care.  He outlined how the legislature increased the Prenatal Plus Program by $500,000, and made the Colorado Children’s Basic Health Plan more accessible to expecting mothers.  The second measure alone will result in upwards of 16,000 more Colorado women – including those facing risky pregnancies – getting the prenatal care they need to ensure safe pregnancies, safe births, and healthy babies.

“Our children are Colorado’s most cherished resource,” said Speaker Romanoff. “And healthy babies need healthy moms.  So we passed laws designed to help more Colorado women get the prenatal care they need to ensure the health and well-being of their babies.”

Top-Flight Principals &Teachers Prepare Students for 21st Century

Both Bills Sail Through House

DENVER –Two former teachers who are now Democratic State Representatives are helping Colorado teachers and principals receive training and rewards to make the best schools in America. Recognizing that teachers have the greatest impact on student success, two proposals to nurture top-flight teachers and establish Colorado’s first-ever Principal Academy, sailed through the House today.

“I am proud that we are making improvements in the two most important areas for enhancing student learning- top-flight teachers and top-flight principals,” State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs), who is the Chair of the House Education Committee explained.

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) is making sure that Colorado’s top-flight kids get nothing less than the best.  She is carrying House Bill 1384 with Rep. Merrifield to recruit and retain excellent teachers in Colorado. That bill passed overwhelmingly through the House today 55 to 10.  It now heads to the Senate where it is sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins).

“Top flight teachers do more than teach; they inspire, they inform, they set the bar high, and coach our kids to go further than anyone thought possible,” Rep. Todd said.

The bill provides a $3,000 annual financial incentive for teachers who have completed the National Board Certification.  Teachers must spend one to three years to complete their certification. Three-hundred Colorado teachers currently meet that standard, compared to over 12,000 teachers in North Carolina.  The bill will recognize and reward their achievement. Surrounding states, including Wyoming, compete for top-notch teachers with a $4,000 annual incentive for board certified teachers.

Rep. Merrifield’s House Bill 1386 creates The Colorado Principal Academy.  It will help train principals in how to carry out the daily mechanics of the job, but more importantly, will help them become inspirational leaders who help teachers and students reach their potential.

“Far too often we send new principals into their leadership roles without equipping them with the proper skills,” the former music teacher stated.

The bill also passed out of the House today on a 42 to 20 vote and now he

ads to the Senate for full consideration.

The Colorado Education Association and The Colorado Association of School Executives also support both bills.

Please See Downloads Comparing Colorado to Other States:

Download state_rewards_chart_6feb08.pdf

Download nbct_map_7jan08.pdf

-- Posted by staff

School Finance Act Secures Smart Start for Colorado Kids

DENVER – On Tuesday, the House passed the 2008 School Finance Act on an initial voice vote.  The annual public school funding bill emphasizes early education by allowing as many as 22,000 additional 4- and 5-year-olds to enter preschool and kindergarten over time. 

House Bill 1388, sponsored by State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder) and State Senator Sue Windels (D-Arvada), also achieves the following:

• Increases per pupil funding to $5,260.27 to keep up with inflation and population increases. 
• Adds supplemental support for “facility schools” – day or residential treatment facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services.  That funding will provide students with special needs, including those with severe learning and emotional disorders, the extra attention they require to excel.   
• Increases funding for the Science Technology Engineering and Math – or STEM –after-school education grant program.  The pilot helps students excel in those critical subjects to foster 21^st Century skills.
• Expands support for the Colorado Charter School for the Deaf and Blind. 

“This is an outstanding piece of legislation,” said Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs). “Colorado is part of an increasingly global economy; we don’t just compete with Wyoming and Utah, but with China and India too.  The provisions in this bill will help all our kids compete.”

State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), another co-sponsor, put it this way: "This takes us one step closer to building the best public schools in America.  Every kid deserves a world-class education, and we’re working to give it to them.”

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) echoed the statements of her colleagues, saying, “This is my fourth year in the legislature, and this is the best school finance act I’ve seen.  We continue to face significant challenges, but every year we’re making huge strides.” 

The omnibus education measure awaits final passage in the House before moving to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Top-Flight Principals & Teachers Prepare Students for 21st Century

Three new Education Bills Unveiled Today

DENVER –Three former teachers who are now Democratic State Representatives are helping Colorado teachers and principals receive training and rewards to create the best schools in America right here in Colorado. Recognizing that teachers have the greatest impact on student success, three proposals to nurture top-flight teachers, to establish Colorado’s first-ever Principal Academy, and create a Teach for Colorado program were announced today.

“We’re making improvements in the two most important factors for enhancing student learning- quality teachers and quality principals,” State Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) explained.

State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) is making sure that Colorado’s top-flight kids get no less than the best.  She is carrying House Bill 1384 with Rep. Merrifield to recruit and retain excellent teachers in Colorado.

“Top flight teachers do more than teach; they inspire, they inform, they set the bar high, and coach kids to go further than anyone thought possible,” Rep. Todd said.

The bill provides a $3,000 annual financial incentive for teachers who have completed the National Board Certification.  Teachers must spend one to three years to complete their certification. Three-hundred Colorado teachers currently meet that standard, compared to over 12,000 teachers in North Carolina.  The bill will recognize and reward their achievement. Surrounding states, including Wyoming, compete for top-notch teachers with a $4,000 annual incentive for board certified teachers.

State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), a social studies teacher, discussed Senate Bill 133, which would create incentives to encourage prospective teachers to pursue careers in Colorado.

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

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.

Upcoming Opportunities to Meet with Your Representative

Friday, March 7-Rep. Nancy Todd will host a coffee from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Panera Bread at Iliff and Peoria in Aurora.

Friday, March 7-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.

Tuesday, March 11-Rep. Karen Middleton and I will host her first town hall meeting from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle, Aurora.

Friday, March 14-Rep. Dianne Primavera will host Coffee and Conversation from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Caribou Coffee, 2721 W 120th Ave., Westminster.

Monday, March 14-Rep. Joe Rice will host Happy Hour with Joe from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Cool River Cafe, 8000 E. Belleview Ave (I-25 and Belleview), Greenwood Village.

Saturday, March 15-Rep. Gwyn Green and Senator Keller will host a town hall meeting from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the City Council Chambers, Golden City Hall, 911 10th St., Golden.

Saturday, March 15-Rep. Joe Rice will host a town hall meeting from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Blueberry's Bakery and Cafe, 1500 W. Littleton Blvd (Woodlawn Center), Littleton.

Saturday, March 15-Rep. Michael Merrifield, Senator John Morse and I will host a Spotlight on Healthcare conversation from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs.

Saturday, March 15-Rep. Jeanne Labudawill host her monthly town hall meeting from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bear Valley Library, 5171 W. Dartmouth Ave, Denver.

Wednesday, March 19-Rep. Dianne Primavera will host a town hall meeting on foreclosures in Broomfield from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library, 3 Community Park Rd., Broomfield.

Thursday, March 20-Rep. Morgan Carroll will host her monthly town hall meeting on the topic of credit from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Community College of Aurora.

-- Posted by staff

Upcoming Opportunities to Meet with Your Legislator

Littleton Legislators to Share Insights from Iraq: Rep. Joe Rice and Senator Steve Ward will host two town hall meetings to share their on-the-ground insights from Iraq. Both have recently returned from serving in the armed forces in Iraq. You can meet them Tuesday, February 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Downtown Littleton or Thursday, February 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Littleton City Council Chambers, 2255 W. Berry Ave, Littleton. Thursday evening, they will be joined by a delegation of local Iraqi government officials, who are visiting the Denver area to learn about how local and state governments function in the United States.

Wednesday, Feb. 27-Rep. Nancy Todd will host a panel discussion on foreclosure prevention and counseling from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Eastridge Elementary School, 11777 E. Wesley Ave., Aurora.

Saturday, March 1-Rep. John Kefalas, Rep. Randy Fischer, Senator Bob Bacon will host a town hall meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the CSU Campus in Fort Collins, Warner College of Natural Resources, Room 113, University Ave., north side of street, just west of West Drive, 1 block south of The Oval.  Park in lot on east side of West Drive                     

Saturday, March 1-Rep. Jim Riesberg will host a town hall meeting to discuss higher education from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the UNC campus in Greeley, University Center, UNC, Columbine Room, 10th Ave and 20th St.

Saturday, March 1-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. This month’s topic is elections, and the meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at the library.

Saturday, March 1–Rep. Sara Gagliardi will host her March Saturdays with Sarah town hall meeting on foreclosure prevention and counseling, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Susan Duncan YMCA, 14705 W. 64th Ave., Arvada.

Monday, March 3-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 3-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.

Tuesday, March 4-Rep. Debbie Benefield will host a town hall from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with tips on saving energy in the home at the Standley Lake Public Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada.

Wednesday, March 5-Rep. Dianne Primavera will host Pizza with Primavera from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Original Pizza, 1300 W. Midway Blvd, Broomfield. Click here for more details.

Representative Nancy Todd Recognized

Special Friend of Children Award

Denver—For her outstanding work in promoting children’s mental health services in schools and recognizing the important role and contributions of Colorado school psychologists in providing these services, the National Association of School Psychologists has selected Colorado State Representative Nancy Todd (D—District 41) to be the recipient of the 2007-2008 Special Friend of Children Award.  This award is presented each year to an individual or group outside of the profession that supports political action and advocacy on behalf of children in order to improve education and mental health services for children, youth, and their families.   

Michelle Malvey, the President of the Colorado Society of School Psychologists, nominated Rep. Todd for her sponsorship of SJR 07-0008, a joint resolution that recognizes Colorado school psychologists' efforts to enhance the mental health and educational competence of all children and acknowledges that Colorado school psychologists strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community.

Rep. Todd was recognized at the National Association of School Psychologists in New Orleans, LA today.

-- Posted by staff

"Digital Dissection" Receives Attention

Rep. Nancy Todd hoped to give students an opt-out

(DENVER)  A proposal dubbed "the digital dissection bill" that would allow Colorado students to choose alternatives to dissecting animals such as cats, fetal pigs and frogs in their science classes was narrowly defeated on the House floor today.

House Bill 1149, sponsored by State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora), would have allowed students to dissect animals "virtually" on a computer model or via other means and ensure they were not penalized if they opted-out of dissecting animals. 

"It's unfortunate that it lost, but it’s not a life or death bill – unless, of course, you're a frog," quipped Rep. Todd. "I do believe we brought attention to the issue of dissection.  Hopefully because of this, teachers will think twice before penalizing students for something which they may object on moral, religious, or ethical grounds.  Hopefully districts will provide alternatives to our students."

Rep. Todd said she hopes the issue gets attention in future legislative sessions.

-- Posted by staff