Colorado House Democrats

Rep. Curry Responds to Oil & Gas Proposal

(DENVER) -  The Colorado Department of Natural Resources today proposed new ways to address Colorado’s oil and gas development.  In response, State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) released the following statement:

"Today's announcement on how we will manage the oil and gas drilling boom balances protection of the environment, wildlife and public health with energy development.  Today, we have a clear and practical plan to put common sense protections in place."

-- Posted by staff

Statement Of Rep. Christine Scanlan Regarding House Bill 1269

Bill creating incentives for using trees damaged by bark beetles passes House Finance Committee

I applaud Representative Al White and Senator Dan Gibbs for their creativity in attacking the bark beetle scourge.  House bill 1269 creates a clever economic development program that will help reduce the bark beetle’s bite.   

House Bill 1269 establishes incentives for businesses that salvage and make products from lodgepole pines killed by the mountain pine beetle.  By building a viable industry from the destruction, hopefully we will speed the removal of dead trees that would otherwise serve only as fuel for Colorado’s next devastating forest fire. 

People talk of making lemonade out of lemons.  Unfortunately, we’re dealing with a plague – not sour fruit – but the same idea holds true here.  If we can make pencils, chairs and dressers out of a resource that would otherwise go to rot, we’re on the right path.

-- Posted on behalf of Rep. Christine Scanlan

Representative Morgan Carroll Regarding the Military Family Relief Fund

"No one should be financially penalized for serving our country.  The men and women deployed overseas have already sacrificed so much the least we can do is make sure that their families are taken care of while they are gone and that there is some help for them here when they return." 

-- Rep. Morgan Carroll.

Click here to read the release that includes this quote

Statement of Speaker Andrew Romanoff Regarding Today’s Special Committee

“I’m pleased that the panel completed its work ahead of schedule and did not impede our progress on education, health care or economic development.  I look forward to reading the recommendations.” 

-- Speaker Andrew Romanoff

Notes: The panel was charged with making recommendations to the House of Representatives.  A resolution of “censure” is a formal way to acknowledge the disapproval of a body.  A censure requires a majority vote of the body.

-- Posted by staff

2007, The Year of Bipartisan Progress

“In 2007, every single priority on the Democratic agenda earned votes from the other side of the aisle. In fact, the most successful bills in the last three years were sponsored by a Democrat in one chamber and a Republican in the other. Many passed with near-unanimous support.” --Speaker Andrew Romanoff

Read the newsletter that contains this quote.

--Posted by Staff

Statement of Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff Regarding Sunday’s Tragedies

"I join all Coloradans in extending my thoughts and prayers to the families of those who were killed and injured.  Our state will provide no refuge to those who endanger our lives or desecrate our places of worship.

These crimes affront our community and our conscience. Their victims deserve our sympathy; their perpetrators, swift justice."

-- Speaker Andrew Romanoff

-- Posted by Staff

Statement of Representative Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) Regarding Sunday’s Tragedies

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and families of those who were affected by yesterday’s terrible tragedies.  My thoughts and prayers are with them.   

Like all Coloradoans, I am horrified by the senseless cruelty; like all residents of Colorado Springs, I am outraged that such an attack could take place here in our hometown, in a house of worship.”

-- Representative Michael Merrifield

-- Posted by Staff

Representative Alice Borodkin Speaking on Medicaid

"It is unacceptable that our country has a process so slow, so inefficient, affecting so many lives and continuing health care needs.  People's lives are on the line.  While the sick and elderly wait for basic services, some end up on the streets, in Denver Health, or in the morgue."  - Rep. Alice Borodkin

-- Posted by Staff

Speaker Romanoff praises Fitz-Gerald’s “unwavering commitment”

Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald announced her resignation from the Senate Tuesday to run for a seat representing the Second Congressional District.

“I have had the privilege to work with Senator Fitz-Gerald since we arrived in the legislature in 2001.  I am proud of the work we accomplished together.  As minority leader and as Senate president, she brought an unwavering commitment to the causes we share.  I respect Joan’s decision and wish her the very best.” -- Speaker Andrew Romanoff

Rep. Kefalas on Veteran's Day

"On this day, let us set aside our differences to celebrate the courage and honor and the sacrifices that past and present members of our armed forces make for peace and freedom. While we may have different opinions about the foreign policies that led to the Iraq War, we can agree that our soldiers and veterans deserve support and respect." --Representative John Kefalas

Read the Op-Ed that includes this quote.